CANTON, N.Y.— Defending Liberty League field hockey champion Skidmore College began defense of its title with a solid 3-0 road win over St. Lawrence University Saturday afternoon.
 
The 11th ranked Thoroughbreds are 5-2 overall and 1-0 in league play, while the Saints drop to 3-4 and 0-1.
 
Gabby Hyman put the Thoroughbreds on the board in the 18th minute when she got her own rebound after she was initially stopped by Saints' goalkeeper Sophie Cardenali. She battled Cardenali in the circle for the loose ball and eventually buried it for the game winner.

Skidmore's defense withstood four late first-half penalty corners to keep the 1-0 lead at the break. Thoroughbred goalie Zoe McGuire had two saves and Marissa Folts had key defensive save over the final seven minutes of the half.

Early in the second half, Mary Beth Zahnleuter extended Skidmore's lead to 2-0 with a hard shot from the edge of the circle. After a blocked shot off a penalty corner, Zahnleuter collected the loose ball and beat Cardenali inside the near post.

In the 51st minute, Caroline Saros notched Skidmore's third goal with another rebound in the circle on the near post.
 
"The defense worked tirelessly to earn the shut out win in 85 degree conditions," said Skidmore coach Beth Hallenbeck. "Marissa Folts was dominant providing multiple tackles and clears out of the defensive zone. The offense came alive with Gabby Hyman and Miranda Davenport leading the charge. Mary Beth Zahnleuter's smart play led to multiple offensive corners and scoring opportunities for Skidmore."
 
The Thoroughbreds finished with an 18-13 advantage in total shots and a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. They were also awarded 12 penalty corners to the Saints' four.

McGuire finished with three saves to post her second shutout of the season. Cardenali had seven saves for St. Lawrence.
 
Skidmore continues its four game "road trip" on Sept. 27 with a 6:30 p.m. game at Middlebury College.